News

U.S. crushes Slovakia in Sochi opener

TEAM U.S.A.: Team USA's John Carlson (L) celebrates his goal on Slovakia's goalie Jaroslav Halak (41) as Team USA's James van Riemsdyk (R) reacts during the first period of their men's preliminary round ice hockey game at the 2014 Winter Games. Photo: Reuters

By Frank Pingue

SOCHI, Russia (Reuters) – The United States kicked off their quest for the men’s ice hockey gold medal at the Sochi Olympics with a 7-1 rout of Slovakia on Thursday.

The Americans, looking to improve on their silver from the 2010 Games, scored six goals in the second period to snuff out any hopes Slovakia had of pulling off an upset.

Slovakia, who made an unlikely run to the bronze medal game in 2010, made a decent start and drew even at 1-1 with a goal 24 seconds into the second period.